Gianni Infantino’s future as FIFA president faces its biggest challenge yet, with UEFA reportedly preparing to push for his removal amid a growing revolt over his leadership and the collapse of FIFA’s controversial commercial plans. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and European Club Association chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi are among the senior figures understood to be increasingly unhappy with Infantino, with a possible no-confidence vote being discussed if he refuses to step aside.
The development puts Infantino’s grip on world football under serious pressure just months before the next FIFA presidential election. The fallout centres heavily on the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which involved plans to bring private investment into FIFA’s commercial rights and was fiercely opposed by UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC over transparency and governance concerns. Infantino, however, continues to have important support, particularly from African and South American football bodies. His close relationship with US President Donald Trump could also add another layer to the political battle, with Trump having described Infantino as a “really good friend of mine”.
Why Are UEFA’s Top Officials Unhappy With Gianni Infantino?
The immediate trigger is the collapse of FIFA’s plan to create the FIFA Forward Enterprise and attract private investors into the organisation’s commercial operations. UEFA and other confederations accused FIFA of a lack of transparency and called the approach a breach of trust. The proposal was eventually withdrawn, but the damage to Infantino’s relationship with several major football authorities remains.
UEFA’s opposition has now moved beyond criticism of an individual proposal. Reports suggest Ceferin could seek a vote of no confidence if Infantino does not withdraw his candidacy or step aside, while UEFA has also been discussing more fundamental changes to FIFA’s leadership structure.
Who Could Replace Gianni Infantino as FIFA President?
No successor has been formally backed by UEFA yet, but several names are being discussed. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa and Al-Khelaifi have all emerged as potential options. Al-Khelaifi, however, has indicated that he is comfortable with his current role at Paris Saint-Germain.
The political arithmetic will be crucial. FIFA has 211 member associations, with each holding one vote, meaning a candidate needs 106 votes for a simple majority. Infantino still has substantial backing, and CAF has publicly supported his bid for another term, although New Zealand has now withdrawn its support.
Could FIFA Have a New Leadership Model?
The discussion may go beyond simply replacing Infantino. UEFA figures are reportedly considering whether FIFA should move towards a rotating presidency or a collective leadership model involving a chair and vice-chairs.
That would represent a major change to how FIFA operates, reducing the concentration of authority around one president. For now, though, Infantino remains in office and retains powerful allies. The battle over his future is only beginning.
